The rule changes: What each change means

The real effect of the AFL's new rule and interpretation changes won't become clear for six to 18 months as teams revise game plans and probe the rules to gain an advantage but the incremental effect is likely to be more scoring and players spread more widely across the ground for longer.

We look at each rule and make an assessment of what it might mean at first glance.

Scott Lycett and Brodie Grundy.Credit:Wayne Ludbey

1. Traditional playing positions at centre bouncesClubs must have six players inside both 50m arcs, with one player inside the goal square. Four midfield players must start inside the centre square with the two wingmen stationed along the wing.

What it means: Opens initial phase of play, increasing chance of open centre clearances and one-on-one aerial contests in front of goals after bounces. The best result would be the return of the leading forward with not too much obvious downside beyond restricting freedom of movement.

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2. Kick-insAt kick-ins, a player will no longer need to kick to himself to play on from the goal square. Following a behind, the man on the mark will be brought out to 10m from the top of the goal square, rather than the existing five metres.

What it means: The biggest change creates a risk versus reward decision for defenders wanting to make an attacking move as they can seek more ground by leaving the goal square and kicking or handballing as soon as a point is signalled but they also become vulnerable to being tackled as soon as they leave the square. It creates opportunities for quicker transition after a behind but will take time for supporters to get used to, may create a bigger gap between good and poor teams and will make the score review system even more annoying.

3. Marks and free kicks in defenceWhen defenders mark or receive a free kick within nine metres of their own goal, the man on the mark will be brought in line with the top of the goal square.

What it means: Opens up the field for the kicker. Simple change.

Collingwood runner Alex Woodward played an infamous part in this year's grand final.Credit:AAP

4. Runners and water carriersTeam runners may only enter the playing surface after a goal has been kicked and must exit before play restarts. Water carriers are not permitted to enter the playing surface during live play.

What it means: Senior players vital for on-field coaching so injuries will bite inexperienced teams hard. Most supporters will be in favour, however.

5. Umpire contactPlayers will be prohibited from setting up behind the umpire at centre bounces.

What it means: A bugbear of Steve Hocking that makes sense in practical terms but might change the way ruckmen operate with one side of the contest cluttered and the other open.

6. 50-metre penaltiesThe player with the ball must be allowed to advance the mark by 50m without the infringing player delaying the game and will be able to play on while the 50m penalty is being measured out.

What it means: Positive step although effect will be minimal because there are very few 50-metre penalties in reality. At least play can continue and the 50-metre penalty doesn't merely become an opportunity for the offending team to set up behind the ball.

7. Kicking for goal after the sirenA player who has been awarded a mark or free kick once play has ended will now be able to kick across their body using a snap or check-side kick but must kick the ball directly in line with the man on the mark and the goal.

What it means: AFL calls it progressive as that's how modern players want to take shots so the rule will give the player a greater chance to kick the goal after the siren, which might create some excitement. Seems an unnecessary gimmick that belongs in the JLT Community Series and AFLX before being introduced to the AFL.

8. Marking contestsThe 'hands in the back' rule interpretation has been repealed so a player can now place his hands on the back of his opponent to protect his position in a marking contest provided he does not push his opponent in the back.

What it means: A risky move that will help coaches coach but won't pacify fans who have almost become used to the rule having lived with it for 12 years.

Jordan Roughead and Max Gawn.Credit:AAP

9. Ruck contests: prior opportunity

A ruckman who takes direct possession of the ball from a bounce, throw-up or boundary throw-in will no longer be regarded as having had prior opportunity. Where there is uncertainty over who is the designated ruckman, the ruckman for each team will still be required to nominate to the field umpire.

What it means: Good change as teams that don't engage in ruck contests or throw in small players are disadvantaged as a solo ruck can use the ball to advantage without risking immediate penalty. Protects the role of the ruckman, which is a good thing.